For Sandia Peak, the 2012-2013 ski season was a huge disappointment. Because the Sandias barely got any snow, the resort only opened its beginner hill. It didn't take that many people to work the beginner hill, so Sandia Peak ended up laying off nearly 100 of its employees.

This year, Sandia Peak has three million gallons of snow-making water ready. The ski area is confident they will not only have their beginner hill open, but other hills as well. They're looking to open Dec. 21 at the latest. If the Sandias get snow early, though, Coon said the resort is prepared to open earlier.

Skiiers and snowboarders can also expect somewhat of a jumpstart to the winter season because of all the rain New Mexico has had this year.

"Going into a year following a drought, your first five or six inches of snow really gets absorbed in but from all the monsoons we've had, the ground is pretty saturated so the first snowfall shouldn't be absorbed like it was last year," Coon explained.

Coon said that is good news for winter-weather lovers because it will allow the snow to build up quicker and easier.

Ski Santa Fe is just as hopeful. Employees who work in Santa Fe told Action 7 News they hope to open Thanksgiving weekend. The resort, a bit further North, has a higher elevation and more snow-making water available. They also typically get more snow than the Albuquerque area.

Yet, despite everyone's optimism, the National Weather Service shows a warmer and drier than normal winter for New Mexico in 2013-2014.

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